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Copies of: Your Baltimore Police Department Class Photo, Pictures of our Officers, Vehicles, Equipment, Newspaper Articles relating to our department and or officers, Old Departmental Newsletters, Lookouts, Wanted Posters, and or Brochures. Information on Deceased Officers and anything that may help Preserve the History and Proud Traditions of this agency.

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The Department settled on the new design and ordered 60 vehicles, there were only 30 in the country all white, with 30 more our of the country. The department took them, the black vehicles were importated back into the country and came to us; in the future we will only get black, but initally we had to take what was available. I like the blak best, and think this is one of the best looking cars we'e had in a long time.

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHERCourtesy Mark LindsayOfficer Howard "Bud" Lindsay, his partner Officer Phil Walters on the left and I believe the officer in the middle is Andy Sullivan of the Southern Dist. Andy was the footman around our house back in the 60's

Courtesy Mark LindsayThe first CP-11 and CP-12 trucks were donated to the Department from a Baltimore Bread Company. Here one of the trucks: late 60's. At the Fallsway parking lot behind the old HQ Bldg.

Photo courtesy Sgt. Robert Fisher1961 Ford A.I.D. unit TC-2

Accident Investigation Division

Photo courtesy Sgt. Robert Fisher

1962 Ford sedan NED post car #413

1963 Ford Sedan

1963 Plymouth Traffic Car

In 1963 the department used both Fords and Plymouths in the fleet. The Plymouths were used for Traffic

NOTICE: the District Commander above the door emblem, this was also adopted in 1967 for the Captain of the District

This color scheme was adopted by Police Commissioner Pomerleau, who had come from Florida where this color scheme was used. Also used in Hawaii.

Bottom photo, the adopted version was for the trunk lid to be BLUE.

NOTICE: the small light on the roof behind the becon, RECALL LIGHT.

When the officer was out on Foot Patrol, if he was needed for a call for service, the roof light could be activated from headquarters to notify the officer.

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER Sunpaper photographer William L LaForce

Date 2 Oct 67 - Police Department Baltimore Patrol Cars 1967

CUSHMAN SCOOTER USED TO PATROL SHOPPING CENTERS AS A MOTORIZED FOOT PATROL

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1967 CHEVROLET

ONE OF THE FIRST OF THE BLUE & WHITE COLOR SCHEME

HAS THE OLD BPD LICENSE PLATES

SHOP# 9670

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1967 CHEVROLET

COURTESY JULES DENITO

1967 Chevrolet

Officer Jules Denito Southern District

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1968 International Park Patrol Vehicle

Assigned Northern District

Druid Hill Park & The Baltimore Zoo

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1967 FORD FALCON METER MAID CAR

1968 Chevrolet Southern District Unit, parked in the 1200 blk. of Marshall St., north of Osten St.

"ON FOOT PATROL" flasher light on roof used by the motorized foot officer.

Courtesy Officer John Brazil

Photo courtesy Sergeant Robert Fisher

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1969 Ford

1968 Chevrolet Biscayne and 1970 Ford Custom

1970 FORD

SHOP# 9509

NOTE THE CHANGE OVER TOBLUEROOF LIGHTS

Photo courtesy Bill Manzke

Baltimore City Police Community Relations "Officer Friendly Bus"

An old used MTA bus given to the BPD and converted into a police vehicle by

painting it with the new blue and white color scheme as used on the current fleet of vehicles.Photo courtesy Bill Manzke

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHERSun Paper Photo Courtesy of my future Son-in-Law Matt ZembowerIn 1971 the Department started adding Shop Numbers to the Roof, or Trunk of radio/patrol cars so that "Fox" could more easily identify officers from the sky. This was for both officer safety, and to more easily combat crime; as while in the air the observer could tell specific units where suspects on the ground were hiding.

COURTESY OFFICER W.M.HACKLEY

1971 Ford shop # 9677 635 car Northwest District

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1971 FORD

1973 Plymouth Satelite TEST CARS

Double light bar was never adopted.

BPD NEWSLETTER

Commissioner Donald D. Pomerleau, members of the Command Staff and Officers representing the nine Districts and the Tactical Section were on hand recently when Mayor William Donald Schaefer presented the keys for the new Police Department Vehicles. The 200 new "air conditioned" Plymouths are white with red and blue stripes on the sides

Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, September 17, 1975 for Southwestern District Officer Edward S. Sherman who died September 13, 1975 as the result of. a unique and tragic set of circumstances. Officer Sherman, 28, a 5 year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department was found unconscious in his patrol car by two fellow officers who were on routine patrol.

The following excerpts from investigative reports shed light on what caused the officer to succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning: "At about 0718 hours this date, Officer Gary Martin and Officer R. Gooden, working 812 car, responded to the rear of Edgewood Elementary School . . . to try up same. Upon arrival they found 811 car . . . on the rear lot with the motor running and all of the windows rolled up tight. "The car was butted against a chain link fence with a deep undergrowth (of weeds) . . . After attempting to arouse the officer by beating on the windows . . . Officer Martin broke the right front window and pulled Officer Sherman from the vehicle. While on the scene Officer Martin checked Officer Sherman's vital signs and could find none. . . " Extensive tests were made using the same automobile in an effort to ascertain exactly what caused carbon monoxide, in amounts sufficient to cause a fatality, to accumulate in the passenger area. Results of these tests pointed to three factors, which in the opinion of the experts, caused the high carbon monoxide level:

1. The patrol unit was backed to a chain link fence which was covered by a high growth of weeds.

2. The engine of the vehicle was left running" for an extended period of time. All of the windows were closed. The heater was not in use.

3. A small strip of rubber molding (weather stripping) underneath the trunk door near the locking mechanism was missing. (See photograph below.)

Subsequent tests made on 1973, 1974 and 1975 model marked patrol units indicated that the absence of any of the above listed circumstances would not have caused fatal levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate in the passenger section of these vehicles.

Commanding officers subsequently caused an inspection of all vehicles in all districts and divisions in order to determine if the rubber molding was intact and that the rubber grommets (where appropriate) on the trunk floor were in place. On going checks will continue. The rubber molding or rubber grommets can be repaired or replaced quickly in any defective Departmental vehicles.

In order to prevent similar tragedies in the future all motor vehicle operators are to make certain that the rear of the vehicle is clear of any obstruction when it is to be parked with the engine running. Additionally windows should be opened as far as comfort permits whenever heaters are in use.

BPD NEWSLETTER

Photo courtesy Officer Mike Caplan

1970's Scout K9 unit

PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MICHAEL CAPLAN

1974 Chevrolet Malibu

Baltimore Police experimented buying former

Rent-A-Cars,as a cost saving method, that proved unreliable.

Photo courtesy Bill Manzke

1974 Chevrolet Malibu

Photo courtesy Officer Mike Caplan

Photo courtesy Officer Mike Caplan

PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MIKE CAPLAN

In 1975 the new white color and striping scheme were phasing out the old blue & white unit

Photo courtesy Officer Mike Caplan

1970's VOLVO on patrol on Belair Rd., Northeast District

BALTIMORE POLICE NEWSLETTER

Representatives of the Volvo Corporation of America recently loaned the Department on a trial basis a 1974 Volvo. The air conditioned four cylinder marked unit is being compared in a performance study with a 1974 Plymouth. The study is designed to determine the feasibility of utilizing a smaller vehicle in patrol. It is currently deployed on a high mileage post in the Northeastern District for 30 days and then will be switched to the Central District for a comparable time span on a post with low mileage and heavy traffic.

Motorcycle donated by the BPD to the United States Park Police Service for display in their lobby.

OFFICER W.M. HACKLEY PHOTO

1980's AMC Concord

Proved totally unreliable for Police Work

AMC CONCORD

1980-1984 Oldsmobile Omega

Former Rent-A-Car

Officer Tom Leddon, NWD

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

The Department has recently received 150 new vehicles that will bear the new "Baltimore Police" logo. They are 1985 Chevrolet Impalas equipped with V-6 engines, power steering, power brakes and electronic fuel injection. Other equipment includes automatic transmission and heavy duty seats with extra padding. The new units are being placed in service throughout the Patrol Division, Tactical Section, Traffic Division and Crime Resistance Unit. Thirty new unmarked vehicles of various makes and models have also been added to the Department's fleet.

1985 Chevrolet, Don Healy,retired as a Major.

BALTIMORE POLICE DOOR SHIELDS

1990'S CORVETTE

CONFISCATED FROM A DRUG DEALER

1990'S MOBILE COMMAND CENTER20142014Jan 2014Jan 2014Jan 2014Jan 2014

1992 FORD TAURUS

VEHICLE WAS PAINTED A BABY BLUE COLOR TO GET AWAY FROM WHAT COMMISSIONER EDWARDS WOODS SAID WAS AN AGGRESSIVE WHITE. BLUE SCRIPT LETTERING AND NO DOOR SHIELD

1992 Ford Taurus in the new "Baby Blue" "Powder Blue" color scheme that was begun by Commissioner Edward Woods. At the press conference he stated that "They are the prettiest Police Cars I have ever seen" later on he said " I just wanted to get away from the aggressive WHITE cars".

1995 Chevrolet

1997 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor

PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MIKE CAPLAN

PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MIKE CAPLAN

2000 Suzuki dirt bike

2000 FORD CROWN VIC POLICE INTERCEPTOR

CONVERTED FROM THE DEFUNCT HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICE DEPT.

Mounted Unit Pickup & trailer

2006 MINITURE ELECTRIC CAR

HARBOR PATROL VEHICLE

This picture and below article was found on the internet by a visitor to our fair city.

One of the funniest things I saw in Baltimore was this little electric police car. Not for what it was, which is funny all by itself, but for what the Officer did with it.

Now, I know plenty of big macho cops that would probably be mortified to drive this thing. I thought it was adorable. They drive these up and down the harbor pier, along sidewalks and seen here in the plaza square. Pretty easy way to get around. I saw this little thing on the street and wanted to get a photo. I had my camera out and was walking towards it when all the sudden the distracted Officer ran right into a flag pole. PING went the pole!!! What was he thinking? There were 6 huge flag poles on the corner. You can see the size of them in the photo. Did he forget they were there??? Hahahahaaaaa! Everybody who was nearby turned and looked. It took the cop a few minutes to get out and look. I don't think he wanted anyone to see him. There was a nice dent in the huge flagpole and a little scrape on the front of his little car. OMG...how embarassing! I'm still laughing.

2006 MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

2000 FORD CROWN VIC POLICE INTERCEPTOR (P-71)

2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER

2000 FORD MUSTANG

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT

2006 Chevrolet Impala Patrol Car

2006 EMERGENCY SERVICES UNIT# 7811

2009 Jeep

Box 414 Association, a voluntary service that furnishes hot coffee, sandwiches, at large fire scenes, or any other incident that requires Police and Fire/EMS personnel on the scene for extended periods of time.

They have served a very long time in the City of Baltimore providing much needed relief to Police and Fire personnel and they deserve a lot of credit and warm wishes from those they have served so well. Thanks guys for a job very well done.

Pretty soon, the city's white police cars will be a thing of the past.

The white Baltimore police patrol car — a familiar presence on city streets for decades — is slowly being phased out and replaced in a new color: black.

Over the next few months, residents can expect black-marked 2014 Chevy Caprice patrol cars cruising the streets of Baltimore. The change was requested by officers who wanted to appear more professional in updated cars.

The new cars are adorned with a blue streak that runs at an angle on both sides of the car along with a police shield and "Baltimore Police" in white lettering. Police FoxTrot helicopters and many mobile command trucks have had a similar design for more than a decade.

"It's one that we're proud of, and it's one that we think the people of Baltimore are really going to like," police spokesman Lt. Eric Kowalczyk said.

It's not the first time the department has embarked on a new color scheme. The city's police cars were black after World War II when the color was the only shade available. Since then, the cars have been black and white, and then blue and white. In the 1990s, the department planned to shift to baby blue to present a "friendlier image," but the plan was shelved two years and $2 million later.

Former Police Commissioner Edward T. Norris said he wanted to switch to black because he felt the white cars were too closely linked to, of all things, a 1970s television comedy. He also thought sleek black cars would give officers a sense of pride. The change was announced but never occurred.

The current switch is also being driven by the department's desire to boost officers' flagging morale. Less than 10 percent of Baltimore officers described morale as "good" in a department survey last year.

Commanders believe that raises approved last year, a more favorable work schedule and the new patrol cars will help change that. The cruisers also feature seats that adjust more easily, and light and siren switches in more accessible locations.

The new black cars will be added to the current fleet as older vehicles are replaced, Kowalczyk said. The changeover won't cost additional money, officials said.

The department bought 30 black cars this year, and they are currently being outfitted for patrol.

Baltimore police union president Gene Ryan believes the cruisers are a big improvement. A committee of officers of various ranks picked the design, color scheme, lettering and marking, police said.

Millions of television viewers recognize Baltimore's white fleet of Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, Chevy Impalas and Caprices thanks to the police television drama "The Wire."

Before that, Kowalczyk noted, the 1990s TV show "Homicide: Life on the Streets," also based in Baltimore, featured different white cars from that era.

"Every design has been iconic in its own right, whether it's been seen on television shows or in the common understanding of the people of Baltimore," said Kowalczyk.

The Police Department has briefed some community groups on the change. Many have embraced it, especially if it helps officers do a better job. The city has significant problems to confront, they said, including more than 190 homicides this year.

"Times are changing. ... You're reaching into the millennial generation, and they're into a more modern and sleek look," said Joyce Green, president of the Central District Police Community Relations Council. "I want something that the officers like that they designed, and they can take pride in. And that should boost anyone's morale."

Black police cars are common in Maryland. Bel Air police are still changing over their fleet since making the shift to black in 2012 after 25 years of white cars with green lettering. Howard County police and Maryland State Police also have black vehicles. Maryland Transportation Authority police switched to black in 1988.

"The primary justification was to achieve a new distinctive look, as the agency was in transition at the time," MdTA police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Green said.

Police cars painted primarily white or a combination of white and black have been historically associated with policing. Some research shows those schemes are the easiest to distinguish as related to law enforcement.

Researchers have also studied whether white or black-and-white cars serve as better crime deterrents than other cars in other colors, and have come to differing conclusions.

Times are changing. ... You're reaching into the millennial generation, and they're into a more modern and sleek look. - Joyce Green, president of the Central District Police Community Relations Council

A 2009 Federal Emergency Management Agency study on the visibility and conspicuousness of emergency vehicles found that "no single particular color" appeared to be the optimal choice for emergency vehicles to be seen under varying conditions.

Mark D. Thomas, professor of cognitive science at Albany State University, researched whether color made any difference as to how fast the mind recognizes a police car.

Black-and-white cars, he said, are the most recognizable police cruisers because the color pattern has been most widely used by agencies. That combination, he said, also sticks out more than other shades.

But he also found the amount of time it takes the mind to recognize black-and-white cars versus all-white cars as police vehicles is less than half a second. The amount of time it takes the mind to recognize a black car as a police vehicle is also probably negligible, he said.

He said many police agencies use either white or a combination with white as the primary color because they believe it better represents "community policing," where officers aim to be visible and easily accessible. State police agencies, whose officers roam highways, often use dark colors, he said, because troopers want to sneak up on speeding motorists.

"If [police[ want something more stealthy, black is more stealthy than white," Thomas said. "But if they want something that will be seen more, especially at night, then they want white."

Baltimore police said they don't believe they'll lose any visibility with the new design.

Norris said he also ordered other changes to boost morale to make up for the pay raises he couldn't give officers. He swapped out 9 mm service weapons for more powerful .40-caliber guns and lifted a ban on the use of espantoons — the wooden nightsticks that Baltimore officers had used for generations.

"You can't pay them what they deserve, but you can give them things that will help them in their jobs," he said.

The white cars especially rankled Norris when a research firm showed him that the lettering on the side of the cars matched the font used on the credits of the "Mary Tyler Moore Show."

If you come into possession of Police items from an Estate or Death of a Police Officer Family Member and do not know how to properly dispose of these items please contact: Retired Detective Ken Driscoll - Please dispose of POLICE Items: Badges, Guns, Uniforms, Documents, PROPERLY so they won’t be used IMPROPERLY.

Please contact Det. Ret. Kenny Driscoll if you have any pictures of you or your family members and wish them remembered here on this tribute site to Honor the fine men and women who have served with Honor and Distinction at the Baltimore Police Department.

Anyone with information, photographs, memorabilia, or other "Baltimore City Police" items can contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.follow us on Twitter @BaltoPoliceHist or like us on Facebook or mail pics to 8138 Dundalk Ave. Baltimore Md. 21222